Gaude!

That was the most boisterous graduation celebration I have ever attended, but it was heartfelt and happy. The graduating students were from all of the San Francisco public high schools; not all the graduates participated in the ceremony (about 25 people picked up their diplomas beforehand) but the kids (and families) who were there were clearly happy. Another plus: Sarcasm Girl's school colors are orange and blue; had she graduated with her class she would have graduated in an orange cap and gown. Because today's ceremony was made up of students from 15+ schools, they all wore basic black, with school-specific tassels. I could have killed the kid who kept blasting an air horn at every opportunity, but perhaps that's only because I have cranky ears.

The girl looked elegant (green cap-sleeved shirt, cuffed black pinstripe pants, black mary-jane style heels) and adorable. She performed--sang "Angel" (the Jimi Hendrix version) accompanying herself on the piano, and the audience, particularly the students, were totally with her. She sounded spectacular.

SG's principal was there to give out the diplomas to her students (not all schools sent a principal, which meant the summer school principal stood in for them). She handed the girl her diploma, then gave her a big hug. It was lovely.

And next week she picks out her courses for the fall at City College. It's been a long exposition, but she's a high school graduate, and I'm proud of her.